How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Air

Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is one of Kerala’s largest cities with an international airport at its periphery that receives flights from the Middle-East, South East Asia and all major Indian cities. It is served by a host of international carriers, of which some are Air Arabia, Oatar Airways, Air Asia, Silk Air and Air India.

The airport has two closely joined terminals to accommodate air bound travellers. Domestic passengers arrive at terminal 1, while terminal 2 handles international passengers. Transfers are fairly convenient and made easy by a host of transportation facilities. The easiest way out is a prepaid taxi. Found in the baggage halls, the prepaid cab desks list popular destinations and their corresponding fares. This option is slightly expensive and those on a tight budget may like to negotiating fares with private taxi drivers outside the airport.

Buses are available at a short walk from the airport exit itself. KSRTC shuttles run by the state department ply to the city and its various districts. Auto rickshaws are also available for hire. The city centre is 6 Km from here and has multitude transit facilities. The nearest railhead is Trivandrum Central which can be reached conveniently.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Rail

Trivandrum Central is the heart of South India’s rail network. You can get here on almost all trains bound for Kerala. The station is placed 7.5 km from the airport at Thampanoor and receives trains from all parts of the country.

Kerala Express is a popular service that starts at the New Delhi Railway Station. The train takes more than 48 hrs to make it to Trivandrum. Besides this, the Kanyakumari Express leaving from Lokmanya Tilak Railway Station at Mumbai, is equally cost effective. Though both these trains are painfully time consuming, they are extremely rewarding for some impressive views of the landscape.

Down south, Chennai Central at Tamil Nadu has quite a few direst trains to Trivandrum. One of them is Trivandrum Mail, a well priced facility which remains functional throughout the week.

How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram by Bus

Thiruvananthapuram is very well connected by road. There are daily buses run by the state Transport Corporation to any place of note in Kerala. Buses to neighbouring Tamil Nadu are run mainly by the Tamil Nadu Corporation and again, it is possible to leave or arrive any day in the week. The booking offices are at the bus stand.

Getting Around Thiruvananthapuram

The easiest mode of transport for the outsider who doesn’t really know the way around is the ubiquitous auto-rickshaw. Local buses are much cheaper but require a degree of knowledge about routes and such. Taxis are available at travel agencies to be used locally as well as trips out of the city.